Former CDC Chairman Mulbah Morlu has accused House Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon of using a proposed US$20 million allocation for the John F. Kennedy Medical Center to conceal what he describes as an illegitimate claim to the speakership. Morlu’s statement, issued on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, suggests that Koon’s financial pledge is a calculated attempt to strengthen his position amid political controversy.
According to Morlu, Koon’s promise to secure the additional funds for JFK in the 2026 national budget is nothing more than a political maneuver aimed at gaining public favor. He claimed that the move is designed to distract from the ongoing debate over Koon’s legitimacy as Speaker of the House. Morlu argued that Liberia’s ailing healthcare system cannot be repaired by what he called “empty promises” from a leader he views as lacking legal and moral authority.
The former CDC chairman’s remarks come a day after Koon toured JFK, where he announced plans to push for a significant increase in the hospital’s funding. During the visit, Koon expressed concerns about the deteriorating state of the facility and vowed to prioritize healthcare reform through legislative action. The proposed US$20 million allocation would more than double the hospital’s current US$7.1 million budget, addressing urgent issues like infrastructure improvements, staff compensation, and patient services.
Despite these pledges, Morlu dismissed Koon’s proposal as a desperate bid to hold onto power. He accused Koon of collaborating with President Joseph Boakai to undermine the Supreme Court and disrupt Liberia’s democratic processes. In his statement, Morlu warned that the Liberian people would soon take action to reclaim their government and denounced Koon’s leadership as a betrayal of public trust.
While Morlu criticized the funding proposal as a political stunt, Koon presented it as a necessary step to modernize JFK and improve access to quality healthcare. During his tour, Koon acknowledged the hospital’s challenges, including outdated equipment and inadequate staffing levels. He described the proposed budget increase as part of a broader government effort to address the country’s healthcare crisis.
JFK’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Linda Birch, who accompanied Koon during the visit, highlighted the urgent need for increased financial support. She cited persistent shortages of medical supplies and staff as major obstacles to providing effective care. Dr. Birch welcomed the Speaker’s commitment, emphasizing that sustained investment is crucial to improving patient outcomes and ensuring long-term stability at the hospital.
Morlu, however, remains unconvinced. In his statement, he described Koon as a “disgraced lawmaker” whose actions reflect the interests of political elites rather than the needs of ordinary Liberians. He argued that no amount of funding could legitimize Koon’s position and accused him of exploiting the country’s healthcare crisis for political gain.
